Harlem Globetrotters legendary Curly Neal dies

One of the Harlem Globetrotters most beloved players, Fred “Curly” Neal, has died at age 77 in his home near Houston, TX. Known for his big smile and even bigger heart, Curly had countless fans during his 22-year career with the Globetrotters.

In 2008, Curly’s #22 jersey was retired in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden after he had played more than 6,000 exhibition games with the Globetrotters. Literally trotting around the globe, Curly played games in 97 countries around the world. He was easy to spot because of his shaved head and megawatt smile. But his dribbling ability was really something to watch as he lost would-be defenders in the dust.

Although fans saw the glitz and glamour on the court, many never knew about the racist experiences of the Globetrotters during the Jim Crow 1960s. In Curly’s own words, as he wrote an article for USA Today, he said: “Fifty-nine years ago, the Harlem Globetrotters had just played in front of 18,000 fans in northern Florida — most of them white — and tried to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant. The restaurant wouldn’t let the team in. Wouldn’t serve them. They went to a hotel next. They were turned away. Later, they found out that a performing chimpanzee sponsored by a local bowling alley got a big fancy suite.”

But Curly persevered, as did the rest of the team, and we are all richer for it.